The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC)’s RG Check Accreditation Program has been embedded into the requirements for all private iGaming operators entering the regulated Ontario marketplace by iGaming Ontario (iGO).

The RG Check program, which is already used by land-based casinos in Ontario, will ensure the highest standards of responsible gambling will be maintained when new iGaming operators enter the Ontario market, says the RGC in a news release. It was originally developed in 2010 in consultation with policymakers, operators, players, and people with lived experience of gambling harm.

The accreditation process helps gambling venues and iGaming sites evaluate, monitor, and manage all aspects of their RG strategy and operations.

After receiving a license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, registered operators in Ontario must also satisfy other regulatory conditions and execute an operating agreement with iGO before they can legally go live.

Robust responsible gaming standards have long been cited as an integral and vitally important part of the Ontario marketplace. RG Check accreditation is required after entering an operating agreement with iGO, but operators can choose to complete the process in advance.

And, on March 31, Rush Street Interactive announced it has become “the first US-based online casino and sports betting company” to receive accreditation for its BetRivers and PlaySugarHouse sites. BetRivers has been licensed to operate in Ontario. The company added that it has achieved accreditation more than two years ahead of iGO‘s mandated schedule for Ontario iGaming operators.

“RG Check is a clear and tangible signal of the government’s commitment to making public protection and sustainable play a priority and a key part of creating a culture of responsible gambling here in Ontario,” said Shelley White, CEO, RGC. “RG Check is a leading responsible gambling accreditation that is used by jurisdictions around the world. The RG Check symbol is a demonstration to all that the operator is committed to and has strong gambling safeguards in place.”

“We are extremely pleased to be partnering with RGC on this initiative,” said Martha Otton, Executive Director of iGaming Ontario. “The RG Check program is comprised of nine standards and 48 criteria that measure the scope and effectiveness of operators’ RG programming in areas such as site and product design, marketing communications and assisting players who may be experiencing harm from gambling. This allows Ontarians to play with confidence.”